The quality testing of hygiene products is a complex process involving multiple aspects, mainly including the testing of physical properties, chemical safety, microbiological safety, and toxicological safety. The following is a detailed introduction to the quality inspection of hygiene products:
1、 Testing basis
In China, the quality inspection of hygiene products is mainly based on the following national standards:
·GB 15979-2024 "Hygiene Requirements for Disposable Sanitary Products": This standard will be implemented from July 1, 2025, and provides detailed regulations on the hygiene requirements for disposable sanitary products, including microbial limits, physical and chemical indicators, and production environment hygiene requirements.
·GB/T 8939-2018 "Sanitary napkins (including sanitary pads)": This standard specifies the physical indicators of sanitary napkins (including sanitary pads), such as permeability, absorption, pH value, adhesive peel strength, as well as microbial limits and safety requirements.
·GB/T 28004-2011 "Diapers (Tablets, Pads)": This standard applies to products such as diapers, diapers, and pads, and specifies requirements for product permeability, absorption capacity, pH value, microbial limits, etc.
2、 Testing items
1. Microbial safety
Bacteria and Fungi: The total number of bacteria in ordinary grade products should be ≤ 200 CFU/g, and the total number of fungi should be ≤ 100 CFU/g. At the same time, pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus must not be detected. For high-risk products such as sanitary suppositories, additional testing for specific pathogenic bacteria such as Candida albicans is required.
Microbial cultivation technology: By using specific cultivation methods, product samples are inoculated onto a culture medium, and after a certain period of cultivation, the number of bacterial colonies is counted to evaluate the hygiene status of the product.
2. Physical and chemical properties
PH value: The pH value of hygiene products should be close to the pH value of human skin, generally between 4.0-9.0, which is more suitable. Products that are too acidic or too alkaline may irritate the skin.
Water absorption rate and absorption speed: Water absorption rate is an important indicator for measuring absorption capacity. For example, the water absorption rate of sanitary napkins should be ≥ 7 times, and that of pads should be ≥ 2 times. Meanwhile, absorption speed is also important, as a faster absorption speed can make users feel drier and more comfortable.
Penetration and Infiltration Rate: Simulate actual usage situations to test the permeability and infiltration rate of sanitary products. Products with good permeability can prevent side leakage, while products with less leakage can better maintain dryness.
Other physical and chemical indicators, such as product size deviation, appearance quality, etc., also need to comply with relevant standard requirements.
3. Chemical safety
Fluorescent whitening agent: migratory fluorescent substances should not be detected. Long term exposure may cause allergies or cancer.
Heavy metals and hormones: Screening for heavy metals such as sex hormones (such as estradiol), lead, cadmium, etc. Excessive heavy metal content can have adverse effects on the human body, while illegal addition of sex hormones may disrupt the endocrine system.
Other chemical substances, such as formaldehyde and preservatives, also need to be strictly controlled in their content to ensure the chemical safety of the product.
4. Toxicological safety
Skin irritation: Evaluate whether the product causes irritation or allergic reactions when in contact with the skin through skin irritation tests.
Vaginal mucosal irritation test: For sanitary napkins and other products, vaginal mucosal irritation test is also required to ensure product safety.
3、 Testing method
1. Microbial testing: Using specialized microbial cultivation techniques, product samples are inoculated on different culture media and cultured under suitable temperature, humidity, and other conditions. Then, the type and quantity of microorganisms are determined by observing colony morphology, counting, and other methods.
2. Physical and chemical performance testing: Use specialized instruments and equipment, such as water absorption rate testers, permeability testers, etc., to test the physical and chemical properties of the product.
3. Chemical safety testing: Chemical analysis methods such as atomic absorption spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography are used to detect harmful chemicals such as heavy metals and hormones in products.
4. Toxicological safety testing: Evaluate the toxicological safety of the product through methods such as animal experiments or human trials.
4、 Testing process
1. Sample collection: Randomly select samples in a certain proportion to ensure their representativeness and uniformity.
2. Sample pretreatment: Necessary pretreatment of the sample, such as removing packaging, extruding liquids, etc., for subsequent testing.
3. Preparation for testing: Prepare corresponding testing instruments, chemical reagents, and testing environment to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the testing process.
4. Implementation of testing: Conduct various tests on the samples according to the predetermined testing methods and procedures, and carefully record every data.
5. Data processing and analysis: Organize and analyze the data obtained from testing, calculate parameters such as mean and standard deviation to evaluate product quality.
6. Prepare a testing report: Compare the testing results with relevant national standards, industry standards, or internal enterprise standards to determine whether the product quality is qualified, and prepare a testing report.
5、 Precautions
1. Ensure the accuracy and reliability of the testing instruments: Regularly calibrate and maintain the testing instruments to ensure that their measurement accuracy meets the requirements.
2. Strictly follow the operating procedures: Strictly follow the operating procedures and safety regulations during the testing process to prevent cross contamination and accidents.
3. Strengthen quality control: Enterprises should strengthen quality control in various links such as raw material procurement, production and processing, and finished product inspection to ensure the quality and safety of products.
The quality inspection of hygiene products is a complex process involving multiple aspects, which requires the use of scientific methods, advanced instruments, and strict standards for operation. Through effective quality inspection methods, quality issues can be detected and addressed in a timely manner, ensuring the health and safety of consumers. At the same time, enterprises should also strengthen quality control and compliance awareness, enhance product quality and market competitiveness.
Guangdong Zhonghan Testing Technology Co., Ltd